U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ability to facilitate an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, describing Xi as a formidable leader with significant influence over Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump outlined his agenda for an upcoming meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, scheduled for October 30 to November 1. “The primary focus will be on resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, potentially through energy or other means, and I believe he will be receptive,” Trump stated, emphasizing Xi’s potential to mediate.

The summit discussions will extend beyond geopolitics to address critical trade issues. Trump highlighted the need to resolve tensions over China’s restrictions on rare earth minerals, essential for advanced technologies, and to secure agreements benefiting U.S. farmers, particularly in soybean exports. “We will reach an agreement,” he asserted. “Rare earths are a minor issue compared to agriculture and other sectors. Nuclear matters may also be discussed.” The mention of nuclear issues suggests potential talks on arms control or non-proliferation, underscoring the meeting’s high stakes.

Trump emphasized Xi’s global influence: “He commands respect and leads a major nation, giving him significant leverage over Putin.” The U.S. leader believes Xi’s economic ties with Russia, particularly in energy and technology, could pressure Moscow toward a ceasefire, especially after Trump’s own recent attempt to negotiate with Putin faltered due to Kremlin rejection of a proposed deal.

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However, Trump’s diplomatic overtures are paired with economic assertiveness. Despite expressing a desire for amicable relations with Beijing, he confirmed plans to impose a 155 percent tariff on select Chinese imports starting November 1, dismissing China’s rare earth export limits as ineffective. “Tariffs are a far stronger tool than rare earths,” Trump declared, citing decades of alleged unfair trade practices by China that have disadvantaged U.S. industries.

Set against the backdrop of the APEC summit, attended by global leaders, the Trump-Xi meeting carries profound implications. For Ukraine, facing ongoing Russian aggression, China’s involvement could offer a diplomatic breakthrough, leveraging Beijing’s economic influence over Moscow. Yet, risks abound: Xi, recently aligned with Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in military displays, may seek concessions on issues like Taiwan or U.S. technology restrictions to strengthen his global standing.

As the summit approaches, Trump’s strategy hinges on Xi’s ability to alter Russia’s course. The outcome could either pave the way for peace in Ukraine or escalate tensions across trade and security domains, with the world watching closely for the results of this pivotal encounter.

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